'It's all about the win,' says Sharks coach Plumtree ahead of URC playoff against Munster

The Sharks have come in for some stick for their unattractive approach to winning United Rugby Championship (URC) matches but coach John Plumtree has made it clear that their aim is to win games rather than prizes for good fellowship.

He has a point because the Sharks have risen from a 14th place finish last year to third this season and have earned the luxury of a home quarter-final against Munster on Saturday.

The Sharks are the only side in the top eight of the URC to have conceded more tries than they scored, yet they have shown enormous grit to grind out wins.

Plumtree was asked if the quarter-finals are the time for his team to pull the trigger on their attacking game and win in style.

“We are not out here to entertain anyone,” Plumtree said. “We are here to progress as a team and win matches. If that means win ugly, so be it.”

In the Sharks’ last game, they beat the Scarlets 12-3, with no tries scored, but Plumtree is unconcerned about outside pressure to up the try tally.

“There is enough pressure on the team without going into the change rooms and demanding more tries,” he said. “We will get the job done, however that looks.

“We have set the team some goals around what we want to achieve. None of them are based on scoring 20 or 30 points, I can promise you that. We strive to win games of rugby, no matter how that gets done. We want our set piece to dominate and defence to function.”

There has been zero problem with these aspects — the Sharks have been magnificent on defence and their Springbok-laden pack has been immense in the set scrums.

To be fair to the Sharks, in that dour struggle with the Scarlets, the heavy dew made handling difficult. It is a problem at this time of the year in Durban — hot days cool down quickly in the evening and thick dew is the result.

“When the ball is wet along with the pressure from the opposition, it’s always going to compromise our skill sets,” he explained. “But if we get the territory, possession and fast ball we want, we will nail some of those moments.

“A massive part of these contests is keeping the TMO away from making any big calls that affect both teams and the outcome.”

The Sharks’ attack could well ignite in this match because of the return at outside centre of the skilful Lukhanyo Am, while Jordan Hendrikse replaces the injured Siya Masuku at flyhalf.

Springbok captain Siya Kolisi is back at No 8 after a week’s vacation.

“It’s good to get some guys back, including Siya,” Plumtree said. “The intensity has been great in our sessions, which is what you would expect with a game like this.”

The coach said that Springboks coming into and out of the team over the season because of national duty and resting protocols has been disruptive.

“It has been disjointed, but we haven’t let that bother us. Our goal was to put pressure on Glasgow on the log, which meant a good tour and finishing strong at home, and we did that.

“The Scarlets match wasn’t the prettiest rugby to watch, but we achieved that goal. We are right where we need to be and are looking forward to the rest of the season.”

Plumtree is acquainted with some of the Munster veterans from his time as an assistant coach of Ireland. The Irish side is saying farewell to three of their legends in flank Peter O’Mahony, scrumhalf Conor Evans and prop Steven Archer.

“Munster have a huge fighting spirit and are a very close team. The three guys finishing up have around 600 caps between them,” he said.

“We know what to expect from them but our focus is on playing at home, and progressing in the competition. It’s going to come down to who wants it the most and who takes their opportunities on the day.”

Sharks team

15 Aphelele Fassi 14 Ethan Hooker 13 Lukhanyo Am 12 Andre Esterhuizen 11 Makazole Mapimpi 10 Jordan Hendrikse 9 Jaden Hendrikse 8 Siya Kolisi 7 Vincent Tshituka 6 James Venter 5 Jason Jenkins, 4 Eben Etzebeth (captain) 3 Vincent Koch 2 Bongi Mbonambi 1 Ox Nche.

Bench: 16 Fez Mbatha 17 Ntuthuko Mchunu 18 Hanro Jacobs 19 Emile van Heerden 20 Phepsi Buthelezi, 21 Bradley Davids 22 Francois Venter 23 Yaw Penxe.